Lessons learned from floodplain restoration on the Lower Danube

Transcription

1 ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION Lessons learned from floodplain restoration on the Lower Danube Cristian Tetelea WWF DCP Romania Alexander Ivanov / WWF DCP BG WWF DCP Romania, ERRC, 2014 Facts about floodplain restoration To be successful, floodplain restoration should adhere to the following three underlying principles*: It should be effective (ecological science) It should be efficient (society benefits, resources, ES) It should be engaging (people) *According to Society for Ecological Restoration Stakeholders are key for restorations initiatives Reproductin after Shekhar R. Biswas et all, Wetland Ecology and Management (2009) The evolution of the ecosystem degradation curve considering ecology, society and economy under different scenarios for restoration.

2 Facts about people engagement in floodplain restoration initiative Floodplain restoration is a process of change for people also, that entails: affecting a wide range of interests and stakeholders with different values. the final decision for restoration is at local level, regardless the EU/national policy framework. people attitude is not stable but as something that might change in time based on internal or external cues Lessons learned from floodplain restoration initiatives in Europe floodplain restoration is site specific. success depends on changing the traditional attitudes regarding flood defense practice. emotional experience/major distress for locals was a good reason for attitude change towards floodplain restoration. most of the restoration projects are voluntary initiatives and not legally binding requirements for the Member States. 1 December 2010

3 Floodplain re-development scenarios along the Lower Danube River in Romania 221,128 ha 175,990 ha 75,438 ha How can we build capacity in support of continuous stakeholder engagement in floodplain restoration initiatives? Gârla Mare Reconnection floodplain connectivity with the Danube River. ~ 1600 ha Gerai marsh Restoring the hydrology of the floodplain marsh for the benefits of birds. ~ 1500 ha Mahmudia Flooding arable lands to restore the former wetlands in the Danube Delta. 924 ha

4 Restoration at Balta Geraiului First water dispersal in the marsh. Restoration at Balta Geraiului After first year of flooding

5 Garla Mare floodplain connectivity project in the Lower Danube floodplain restoration projects Why to include local people in restoration projects? is a legal/ethic requirement for the planning process we need a good collaboration process with locals in order to listen to the local people, learn about the area and the traditional knowledge and use of the natural resources. it s important for the evaluationand reevaluationof the feseability of the restoration works, including local interests. to get the full acceptance of the proposed works Insights from the process 1. Consider the values at risk for stakeholders 2. Promote common benefits 3. Provide alternative opportunities Prochaska, J., Johnson, S., & Lee, P. (1998) - The transtheoretical model of behavior change.

6 1. Consider values at risks for stakeholders The recognized values without they cannot exist! Have the land owners something to loose? Is the land use and/or ownership changing? Are the proper payment available for land purchase/lease? Are the existing businesses affected? Can they adjust the business to the new context? Will these businesses still exist if restoration is implemented? 1. Values at risk Land owners in the marsh area had nothing to loose. Arable lands were not the subject of direct compensations. 1. Values at risk Abandoned fish ponds.

7 2. Promote common benefits fishing ground improved; access to fishing. improvement of the vegetation on pastures due to soil moisture increase. associated benefits due to wild flowers (ex. beekeeping wild mint). access to the Danube Delta for ecotourism development (e.g. rowing, canoeing, wildlife watching). water storage available during drought season for different uses (reduced costs with pumping, livestock) 3. Provide alternative opportunities Visitor infrastructure. Cycling route. 3. Provide alternative opportunities Reed use for biomass production or reed products handcrafting

8 The steps taken for Balta Geraiului public meetings to obtain an initial written agreement from 926 land owners in order to start the feasibility study of the 1500 ha marsh agreement of three local councils to implement the works and to build a visitor infrastructure on their lands public debates to obtain local community acceptance for the FS and their written support for the implementation of the restoration works A successfull process Final remarks People don t buy what you do, they buy why you do it! People must perceive that they have the ability to perform the change. Improve the management by delegating the responsibilities to the local constituencies. Develop local business with conservation potential for the restoration site can help.

9 28 November Thank you for your attention